Trenches first, defense fast and physical. This seven-round Lions mock draft doubles down on protecting Jared Goff, adding edge depth behind Aidan Hutchinson and building long-term toughness across the roster. Here’s how each pick fits Detroit’s championship blueprint.
Round 1: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Ioane fits the Lions’ trench-first philosophy perfectly. At Penn State, he developed a reputation as a physical, technically sound interior lineman who thrives in downhill run schemes. He plays with heavy hands and a powerful base, traits that would translate well in Detroit’s gap-heavy rushing attack. Ioane could compete immediately for a starting guard spot and provide insurance if injuries strike. With Detroit emphasizing protection for Jared Goff and re-establishing dominance up front, Ioane would be a tone-setting addition.
Round 2: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Young brings explosiveness and versatility off the edge. At Missouri, he showed the ability to rush standing up or with his hand in the dirt, giving defensive coordinator flexibility in sub-packages. He wins with burst and bend, flashing the closing speed to finish plays in the backfield. While he may need refinement as a run defender, Young’s pass-rush upside would make him a strong rotational piece behind Aidan Hutchinson and a potential long-term starter.
Round 4: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Clark is a rangy, instinctive defensive back who plays with a high football IQ. At TCU, he displayed solid ball skills and a willingness to support the run. He projects as a versatile depth safety who can contribute on special teams immediately while developing into a reliable third safety in sub-packages. His awareness and ability to read quarterbacks fit well in a defense that values communication and discipline on the back end.
Round 5: Jakob Kilgore, CB, South Carolina
Kilgore offers length and competitiveness at the corner position. He plays physically at the line of scrimmage and shows comfort in press-man coverage, something Detroit leans on. While consistency and technique refinement will be key at the next level, Kilgore profiles as a developmental outside corner with special teams value early in his career. His toughness would align well with the Lions’ defensive identity.
Round 5: Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama
Doubling up in the trenches, Roberts would bring SEC-tested experience and positional flexibility. At Alabama, he faced high-level defensive fronts and held his own in both run blocking and pass protection. He’s a powerful interior presence who could compete for depth snaps right away. With Detroit prioritizing depth along the offensive line, Roberts would provide cost-controlled insurance and developmental upside.
Round 6: Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
Wright is an intriguing late-round tight end with receiving upside. At Ole Miss, he showcased soft hands and red-zone potential, using his size to shield defenders. While not yet a complete in-line blocker, he offers matchup value against linebackers and safeties. In Detroit’s offense, he could develop behind Sam LaPorta and carve out a role in two-tight-end packages, especially in scoring situations.
Round 6: Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke
Anthony brings effort and motor off the edge. At Duke, he flashed the ability to disrupt with speed and relentless pursuit. He may project initially as a situational rusher and special teams contributor, but his developmental traits make him a worthwhile late-round gamble. Detroit has prioritized defensive line depth, and Anthony fits that mold as a high-effort rotational piece.
Round 7: Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
Pavia is a competitive, mobile quarterback with a playmaker’s mentality. At Vanderbilt, he showed toughness and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket. While he would likely begin as a developmental third quarterback, his athleticism and leadership traits make him an intriguing late-round flyer. In a stable quarterback room behind Jared Goff, Pavia could develop without pressure while adding mobility to the depth chart.